“What did he say to you?”
“After he ignored her like she wasn’t standing there looking like a Christmas dessert covered in free cash, which is exactly what she looked like, and saw me he called me over to come up, then told me she was someone he used to fling with and that it was never even serious, that he just finished telling her he’s not interested and is off the market permanently. And then on the way up he tells me he needs my help, needs me to take his back while he works to convince you he really does love you.” She puts her hand against her chest for effect. “Hey? Do you have imposter syndrome? Are you thinkin’ he’s not really into you? It’s just the fear talkin’, baby girl. And the crap that bozo put in your brain for all that time. You’re a catch. You’re beautiful and you’ve got a heart of gold. You’ve also got brains and that ass that’s poppin’ as well as the fact that you cook, you clean, you take care of yourself and treat your man like gold. You have what it takes to not only get but also keep a man, Violet. So, you just need to stop listening to that evil little voice in your head telling you that it’s not safe to let yourself be happy.”
I sigh. Damn it, Killian. Getting everyone to gang up on me.
“Am I getting through to you?”
I sigh again.
She hugs me. “Or is that pretty bitch causing you self-doubt? Because I’ll take my earrings off and teach that bitch a lesson.”
“No. It’s got nothing to do with her,” I say.
“Okay, well I just wanted to come by and see you. Your mom said you stayed here last night, and I was hesitant on interrupting in case you two were busy making up, but took my chances since I was in your hood for a manicure. I was gonna text from the lobby, prepared to go if you two were busy, but there he was and now here I am.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“You’re gonna be a mommy!” she says, hugging me again.
I smile. “Yeah.”
“God, that’ll be one beautiful baby. With the hottest Auntie Suse there ever was. Did you see my nails?” She flashes them. “Before I got here I tried that new place down the street from you. Coraline was booked.”
I smile. “Gorgeous.”
Killian comes out.
“There they are,” he says, smiling at me.
“Who? Where?” Susanna asks.
“Those dimples.” He leans over and kisses the side of my mouth. “Been missin’ these.”
I don’t react. Well, I try not to, but it feels like there’s suddenly a hundred pounds on my chest.
“I hope you have a girl. I’m taking her for her first manicure,” Suse says, then perks up. “Or if it’s a boy, I’m taking him for his first tattoo. And hey, great wine choice, Killer.”
“Stop calling him Killer.”
“Tell him to stop making my ovaries go boom then.”
I laugh.
Killian smiles wide, shaking his head at Susanna. “I’m gonna take this opportunity to go out for a couple hours and do some surprise visits to my clubs. Can you stay, Susanna? Spend the night in the guest room if you want. Order in some food, Dimples.” He twirls one of my curls around his finger.
“Sleepover! I’d love that,” Susanna says, “I’ll borrow something of Vi’s for work tomorrow.”
Work tomorrow. Ugh. At least tomorrow is Friday. I just have to get through whatever that looks like tomorrow and then I can rest this weekend. Or try.
“But we were in a conversation,” I say to him.
No, I felt like I wasn’t ready for the conversation we were having, but we certainly weren’t done talking. There was a lot on the table and no resolution. No way for me to begin to draw conclusions because I’m now left dangling on a number of issues.
“I’ll be back later,” he says softly and kisses me again. “And we’ll finish our conversation tomorrow. I’d much rather you just relax tonight with your girl. We’ll figure it all out. Okay, baby?”
I give him a tight smile. “I’m going to the office in the morning.”
He smiles. “I’ll have your Rover dropped off tonight.”
“Gotta powder my nose,” Susanna says.
“Later.” Killian promises with a wave, and then he’s out the door before I get a chance to say anything else.
I take the opportunity to phone Grampa to check in as well as tell him about what I’d planned for dinner that evening.
“Don’t want no grilled fish and salad. I’m goin’ out for a burger and beers with my buddy,” he says, “After that fiasco your mother served me last night? Damn straight. I’ll eat something grilled or steamed tomorrow. Are you stayin’ there?”
“I don’t know, honestly,” I say. “But I think so.”
I might not have a choice. My husband has effectively kidnapped me.